It was a quiet week for the Nipawin Hawks as they played just a single game, knocking off the Melville Millionaires 3-1 at the Cage.
The Jan. 21 game got off to an excellent start for the Hawks as they dominated the first period, outshooting the Millionaires 13-3 and outscoring them 2-0.
Brandan Arnold, who was playing in just his third game with the Hawks since being returned to the team from the Swift Current Broncos, was a catalyst for the Hawks offense in the first period as he scored both of the Hawks’ goals, with one on the power play at 9:44 and one at even strength 26 seconds later.
With the Hawks coming into the game fresh and the Millionaires having played the night before, Doug Johnson, the Hawks’ head coach, noted that it was important for his players to get off to a great start.
“You can get them on their heels. It may take away some of their mental toughness, get them a little bit thinking, ‘uh-oh, what are we in for tonight?’”
After a great first period, the second period was much slower for the Hawks as they failed to find the back of the net and were outscored 1-0, despite continuing to carry the play.
Eric Bolden scored his fifth goal since returning to the Hawks on the power play in the third period to wrap up the scoring as the Hawks skated away with a 3-1 win, while outshooting the Millionaires 33-17.
Kristian Steadwas not busy in the Hawks’ goal, turning aside just 16 shots to pick up his 18th win of the season.
Allowing just 17 shots against over the course of the whole game was really nice to see, said Johnson, who noted the team played great defense, but was quick to credit the offense.
“I thought we controlled the tempo all game long and that was outstanding.”
Next week
The Hawks had a busy week as they headed on a southern Saskatchewan road trip with stops in Weyburn Jan. 24, Estevan Jan. 25 and Wilcox Jan. 26 to take on the Hounds.
The Hawks then returned home Jan. 29 to wrap up their busy week with a game against the Battlefords North Stars.
Despite the jam-packed and tough schedule, Johnson said before the games he was looking forward to the week because it was going to be a great test for his hockey team.
“It’s going to be a very important stretch for us too to see if we can give ourselves a chance to try and catch Flin Flon,” he said, adding that the team will have to manage their emotions. “They know that they can’t get too high, can’t get too low.”
Despite playing back-to-back-to-back nights, Johnson is not overly concerned about his team’s energy levels, noting the team has excellent depth and they have been able to roll all four lines every game since the trade deadline.
With those games, Johnson said it will be important for the team to stay focused.
“We want to make sure that we come out strong and play very sound defense. Don’t give up offense for the other team. Don’t create offense for the other team.”
